Vertebral Column Structure and Function

The bony structure that makes up the spine, comprised of 33 individual bones called vertebrae.

A single bone in the vertebral column, with a body, arch, and various processes. There are 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 4 coccygeal vertebrae.

The space within the vertebral column through which the spinal cord passes.

The primary curve of the spine concave anteriorly, present since embryonic development.

The secondary curve of the spine concave posteriorly, developing after birth. It includes the cervical and lumbar curvatures.

A pair of projections from the vertebrae, which help with articulation and form facet joints.

The bony projection at the back of the vertebra, arising from the lamina.

The large, anterior part of a vertebra, which bears weight.

The Long Thoracic Nerve is responsible for innervating the Serratus Anterior muscle, which helps to protract and rotate the scapula.

The Spinal Accessory Nerve innervates the Trapezius muscle, which allows for actions such as scapular retraction, elevation, depression, and upward rotation.

Damage to the Dorsal Scapular Nerve, which innervates the Rhomboid Minor, Rhomboid Major, and Levator Scapulae muscles, can result in difficulty retracting, elevating, and downwards rotating (or depressing) the scapula.

A winged scapula occurs when the Serratus Anterior muscle is weakened or paralyzed, causing the scapula to protrude laterally.

A vertebral hyperextension injury often involves damage to the anterior longitudinal ligament and intervertebral discs due to excessive backward bending of the spine.

The first cervical vertebra (C1) is designated as the "atlas" and is characterized by its ring-like appearance, lacking a vertebral body. It supports the skull and allows for nodding movements.

The second cervical vertebra (C2) is known as the "axis" and is the strongest in the cervical region. It features a prominent odontoid process (dens), which acts as a pivot point for rotation of the atlas (C1), enabling head shaking.

Thoracic vertebrae are characterized by heart-shaped bodies with two costal facets on each side for articulation with ribs. They have smaller, circular vertebral foramina compared to cervical or lumbar vertebrae.

Lumbar vertebrae are the largest and most robust of the vertebral column. They have large, kidney bean-shaped bodies and prominent processes like the mammillary and accessory processes, providing attachment points for powerful back muscles.

The sacrum is a triangular bone formed by the fusion of five sacral vertebrae. Features include the median sacral crest, intermediate sacral crest, and lateral sacral crest, formed by the fusion of spinous, articular, and transverse processes, respectively.

Fibrocartilage pads found between vertebral bodies that provide cushion, shock absorption, and flexibility to the spine. They consist of an outer annulus fibrosus and an inner nucleus pulposus.

The most common type of disc protrusion where the nucleus pulposus protrudes posterolaterally, putting pressure on spinal nerve roots.

A strong ligament located in the cervical region that holds the odontoid process (dens) against the arch of the atlas (C1), ensuring stability and preventing spinal cord injury.

A network of veins within the vertebral canal that drain deoxygenated blood from the spinal cord and vertebral column. It is known as the "Batson's plexus" and lacks valves, allowing for potential spread of tumors or infections.

A thin layer of connective tissue located beneath the skin, providing protection and supporting blood vessels and nerves.

Muscles attached to the vertebral column that contribute to movements like rotation, extension, and flexion of the spine.

Pain radiating along a spinal nerve root caused by compression or irritation, often associated with disc herniation.

A condition characterized by lateral curvature of the spine. It's most common in the thoracic region and can lead to postural issues.

A group of extrinsic back muscles that are primarily responsible for movements of the scapula (shoulder blade) and arm.

This muscle is an important extensor of the spine and can be weakened by damage to the posterior rami of spinal nerves in T3-T6 vertebrae.

The process in which the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc protrudes through the annulus fibrosus, potentially causing pressure on nerve roots.